SmoothZ

How often do you work on it, or do you work on major aspects of the car to 'see the light?' I guess I'm afraid to take that leap and go too far with it before I think it's really scrap metal.

And that's just for starters. I'm sure it will cost more with my bad luck. And that won't even get the car running. I'm sure it will cost at least $10k for what I want to do with the Z.

I thought about the idea of tearing it down and selling the parts. I'm sure there are plenty of parts that would sell to those who need spare parts. Then with the money, I could buy a ticket and fly to Belgium!

Wow, that looks like a lot of body work to be done. I'm afraid that it will be hard to find someone good enough to do the work and get it right. Yes, I think this car has been in an accident. I'm also concerned that it will cost me as much money to fix it and make it problem free (as much as possible) as it would to buy a car that already runs and is in good condition. How much does everyone think my current Z is worth selling for as a parts car? Or maybe even a project car?

I've been looking on eBay, CL, and various Z sites to gauge the market. There's a lot of junk out there. Makes my plans for a nice Z car even more depressingly out of reach. I didn't realize the floors and rails would be that much. Wow, for that kind of money, I might as well go buy something that actually runs.

Back to the project....I feel like I'm not making much progress, and the frustration is mounting. Basically, I think rear half of the car is in decent shape and can be easily cleaned up. However, the front half is a mess. I know I will need to get new floor pans and was planning on it anyway, but the front frame and everything else up there is looking like I might make it worse if I get it media blasted. So what I need to know is if I should continue with this project or count my losses and stop wasting my time and money (not that I've spent much). I don't want to get into this so deep that I will be angry for spending the money and NOT finishing it. I was hoping to customize it by doing upgrades with the interior, the engine, the tranny, and get a custom dash. However, if I think this is going to cost me thousands of dollars and months if not years of investing and finding specialists, then I might go find something else that's actually drivable. I have a 260Z (latter half production). I'll let the pics speak for themselves.

Awesome write up, OP! I've been searching for anything to teach me more about the aftermarket wheel industry for the S30. I want to do this right the first time, so I'm reading and viewing everything I can on wheels so I'll be happy with the set when I complete the car and make it road worthy.

Quoting and subbing to this thread just so I can use it for reference. I like what you've done to the car so far. I hope to see more photos.

+1 on the perfect weather day for a meet. That green Datsun looks awesome.

After months of just looking at it and wondering what I should do next to the mess I call my project, I decided to do some easy things to keep me motivated. I took off the exhaust system and broke a few bolts in the process. They were rusted so badly. I just shook my head at how the new/custom exhaust was installed by whoever owned it before me or before that owner. Can I get a *facepalm?* I want to put it on a rotisserie so badly and power wash it to death. Obviously, that's not going to happen. I might ruin the car. Then I took off the big, orange filter box (?) that attaches to the carbs. I have no idea what to call it. It's been a long time since I've worked on a car that didn't have EFI. After unplugging a few hoses here and there, I started on the door panels. Wow, they suck. Such crappy quality. I guess that's because it's 37 years old. This is an exhaust hanger? WTF Is that a manifold? I'm ready to tear this door off and throw it away. Yes, I'm that frustrated. Lovely rust and crud under the car that annoys me to no end.

Figured this would be the appropriate pics for the site:

http://www.mnsportcompacts.net/forum/showthread.php?98851-2nd-Annual-Nissan-Infiniti-Meet-NEW-LOCATION. Starts at noon at the Crystal Lake park/beach. See you there! I'll be taking pics and posting them here later.

No, this is all being done at my house for now. I took the first pics at his place, but then started taking it apart and cleaning it in my garage. I might take you up on that offer! Wow, that is an awesome car. I like the first pic with the frame. My son is helping me bag and tag stuff. I'm also trying to explain things to him while he asks a thousand questions. Thanks for the tips!

Locally or somewhere far away?

I had a soccer game to coach/officiate on Saturday morning. I ended up doing a ton of stuff around the house after the morning game. I borrowed a tool from my neighbor, but it was too small to clamp around the filter. I will take your suggestion and put it to good use. Maybe that'll help loosen it up. I think the previous person who changed the oil tightened it too hard.

Alright, after a few weeks off due to shoulder surgery and what not, I'm back in to the old girl. I was watching SpeedTV this morning and couldn't stand to watch the hot rod shows where they talk about rebuilding a car from the ground up. I decided it was time to get out to the garage, spend some quality time with my oldest son, and enjoy the nice weather we were having. What did we do? Took out the alternator (tested it - failed), took out a bunch of hoses to try and get some more engine room, tried to take off the oil filter (damn thing is stubborn), took out the spark plugs and wiring, and took off those little hood thingy's (sorry, I don't know what it's called). On with the pics!

I'd like to make it tomorrow. I need to put my Z33 back together today. Exhaust work owns me. I might even take the Z to work and be prepared to drive north to Roseville from Bloomington.

I'm jealous of that super clean engine and bay!

Started working on the 260 again yesterday. I drained the oil and coolant. My god it was old and nasty. I can't believe the oil drain plug is 22mm. I might have to invest in a Fumoto oil drain valve. I guess it's time to get more serious and pull the engine out and start tinkering, cleaning, looking at the inside of it to see what I need to replace. I should invest in an engine rebuild kit.

Cool. I wish I could have this baby running now, even with the awful paint job. I'd like to take it out for a spin.

Fiddled with the panel in the back where all the lights are. I'm trying to take them off so I can sand them down and paint it. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you! I appreciate that link. An another note, I'm scrapping my idea of the VG30DETT engine and looking into lighter, easier, cheaper power plants.